Marlyn Cornett

Marlyn G. Cornett, 81, a Navy Veteran and retired farmer, died Nov. 17 of cancer at his home in Great Falls. Services will be held Tuesday at West Side United Methodist Church with visitation at 9 a.m. until the service at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at the church. Graveside service and burial will be held that afternoon at 2 p.m. in the Big Sandy Cemetery followed by fellowship at the Big Sandy Methodist Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Marlyn was born on Jan. 7, 1930 to Dick and Marjorie Cornett on his grandparents farm three miles west of Big Sandy. Marlyn graduated in 1949 from Big Sandy High School.In 1950 he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed out of both San Francisco and San Diego, serving two years aboard the U.S.S. Boxer. He married his high school sweetheart, Mariana ONeil, on Oct. 9, 1952 in Big Sandy and the couple lived in California until his discharge from the service in October of 1954.They returned to Big Sandy and took over the operation of his parents farm six miles west of Big Sandy. He worked at Big Sandy Drug Store during high school and for a short period of time while farming. In addition to farming, Marlyn drove school bus for 15 years, did carpentry work, was a substitute mail carrier and took wedding and family photos. He also helped on the paving of the Kenilworth Road. The couple retired from farming in 1991 and moved to Great Falls. Marlyn was active in Masons since 1955 and joined the Order of Eastern Star in 1956. He was a member and active in the Big Sandy and West Side United Methodist Churches. He loved to work with wood, especially making items for family members. After retiring he added stain glass making to his hobbies and took pride in the windows he helped make for the West Side church. He loved to go camping with his family and attending activities of his children and grandchildren. In later years he enjoyed shopping, looking for the best price.The couple had two daughters and when adding two son-in-laws they considered them to be their sons. He took tremendous pride in his two granddaughters and two grandsons and the recent addition of a granddaughters husband. He was a quiet man that cherished and had endless love for his wife, daughters, son-in-laws and grandkids, who all fondly called him Papa. He put others before himself and his familys needs before his own. His strong faith carried him through his life, gave him strength during his two and a half year battle with cancer and inspired those close to him. He was a jack-of all trades and loved to help family and friends. Marlyn saw the good in every person and enjoyed visiting with everyone.Survivors include Mariana, his wife of 59 years; daughters, Cheryl and Mark Eatinger of Pinedale, Wyo. and Vonnie and Rick Jacobson of Fairfield; grandchildren, Stacy and Adam Eatinger, both of Pinedale; Brian Jacobson of Fairfield; and Kim and Dan Calvert of Kalispell; a sister-in-law, Cora Lee (Gene) Welty and brother-in-law, Arnold (Margaret) ONeil, all of Big Sandy; numerous nephews and nieces including Bob (Annette) Cornett of Saint George, Utah and Guy (Renee) Cornett of Austin, Texas; and a niece, Linda Edwards of Polson; and many cousins.He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother and wife Bob and Esther Cornett.Memorials are suggested to West Side United Methodist Church, Sletten Cancer Center and Peace Hospice, all of Great Falls.